Parent Governor Elections – March 2021

Please take the time to read through the candidates’ Personal Statements below. At the bottom of the page there is a Forms Survey for you to select two candidates. This ballot will automatically close at 10am on Wednesday 24th March 2021.

Candidates’ Personal Statements (Alphabetical by Surname/Family

name)

Athwal, Sharon

As a parent of 2 children at Highfields I am keen to be more involved working with the school and other Governors to improve the quality of school life for all children.  I have a lot to offer in this role.   I have been working in the IT Industry for over 20 years.  In my current role as Head of Service working for a regulator I review many policies, review and develop processes and procedures.  As part of the leadership team I chair and sit on many board meetings and am responsible for recruitment and selection.  This experience will enable me to be successful in the role of Governor, helping Highfields to raise its standards and personally allowing me to play a more active part in the community.

Dhir, Vivek

I have been serving as a governor at a local primary school for the past 8 years. I have been fortunate enough to help the school during this time to set up a successful Multi Academy Trust and support the school to provide quality education despite the recent challenges presented by the global pandemic.  Over the years, as a part of the governing body, I have taken on significant roles such a link governor role in Mathematics and currently, as Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors. This has enabled me to support and drive ambition in the senior management to continue to be an outstanding provider of education. For this important role, I have successfully completed training in areas such as: understanding school data, visiting schools, challenging head teachers, understanding school and academy budgets and many others. These experiences have enabled me to provide challenges to the senior management team and push for continual excellence in the delivery of education to all. If I am presented with an  opportunity to serve on the governing body at Highfields, my ambition is to be fully immersed in the role and take the responsibility of ensuring that parental voice can be represented and that our children continue to experience an enriching environment in which to thrive.

Haddon, Amanda

Hi, My name is Amanda and I would love to be able to offer support to Highfields School as a parent governor. I was born in Wolverhampton and I am a teacher and have been employed in Wolverhampton for my whole working life,  I spent the majority of my career in special Education, in various senior leadership roles, supporting the complex needs of different pupils. I am dedicated to giving the best chance to EVERY pupil, and enabling pupils who may be disadvantaged or disengaged to achieve the highest expectations. My recent career change to Inclusion Manager for the City of Wolverhampton council has enabled me to continue to support these pupils, with a better strategic opportunity and vision. I have been a governor of a previous school and currently sit on the management board of the local authority PRU's, with particular responsibility for Personal development, behaviour and welfare. My knowledge and skills would enable me to have an understanding of the challenges facing a school such as Highfields, and be able to offer advice, support and challenge when necessary to continue to be an Outstanding provision. This year has been an exceptionally difficult year for all pupils, and staff, in schools and I have a particular interest in wellbeing and emotional health. My own two children have flourished in their time so far at Highfields, and are a constant source of awe and admiration to me. Thank you for your consideration. 

Kemshell, Emma

I would like to be considered as a Parent Governor for Highfields School as I strongly believe in giving children maximum opportunities to discover their full potential through education and extra-curricular activities alike.  I have two children both currently attending the school and their future is of the utmost importance and I would be delighted to be given the opportunity to assist in growing the strength of the school and further developing the standard of education that is available, not just for my children, but the school as a whole. In my career I have been responsible for overseeing complex projects and have experience in terms of quality, planning, budgeting and project execution and I feel these skills, along with an honest and hard-working approach, would be beneficial in such a role.

Kumar, Nishi

I am the parent of a yr 9 student. We live i the local area and the school is a large part of the local community. I work locally as a criminal solicitor.

Picknell, Clair

As a new parent with a child attending Highfields I am interested in supporting the school as best as I can. As a SEN parent I would like to offer my advice and help with all pupils but would like to be the voice of SEN pupils and parents especially. I have good leadership skills and hope I could if elected be a valuable part of the Governing body going forward.

Sunner, Kiran

I have 4 children, 2 currently attend Highfields School. I work full time and have 17 years in a corporate banking institution, which may be useful to share any experience. I regard education to be the most crucial tool to excel in life. Both my husband and I have worked incredibly hard and all we want is for the next generation to get the best start in life, we know the level of standard at Highfields School will continue to support us with this. Our youngest daughter is only 7 and we would love her to attend Highfields in the future too! We know Highfields will provide the best tools to ensure our children excel in education and I want to continue to be a part of this journey, which Is why I would like to be nominated.

Whittaker, Paul

I've always worked in science and technology and I'm a keen advocate of STEM subjects. I currently work in data analytics and hope I would be able to put some of my experience to good use in helping to make the  right decisions for the pupils and the schools development. I've also done  voluntary work for a social enterprise so have an awareness of where additional support is often needed and what funds or organisations are available to help.